London Guide: Ten Things to do in London Bridge. We moved close to London Bridge last February and I just love this location because there is so much to explore. My list of Ten Things to do in London Bridge includes my favourite places to visit in the London Bridge area. Admire the River Thames from the bridge, enjoy The View From The Shard or visit the Old Operating Theatre Museum. Read on to discover more.
Southwark Cathedral and The Shard
Ten Things to do in London Bridge List
10 Things to do in London Bridge
1. Admire the River Thames from London Bridge
2. Enjoy the view from the Shard
3. Graze the Borough Market food stalls
4. See inside Southwark Cathedral
5. Visit the Old Operating Theatre Museum
6. Explore Guy’s Campus
7. Learn something new at the Science Gallery
8. Scare yourself silly at the London Dungeons
9. Investigate London Bridge City
10. Hop onboard HMS Belfast
New: Since writing this article something new has opened up opposite London Bridge station called Vinegar Yard which has food trucks, a bar and vintage market. See my article about the Vinegar Yard Food Trucks and Vinegar Yard Vintage Market.
Ten Things to do in London Bridge Details
London Bridge: The current bridge opened in 1973 which replaced previous structures dating back to 53 A.D. The bridge spans the river from the City of London to Southwark. You get a great view of Tower Bridge with Canary Wharf in the distance and the modern architecture of the city of London on the other side of the river bank. Wikipedia London Bridge History
The Shard: The Shard dominates the skyline on the south side of the river. It’s the tallest building in Western Europe at 244m high which is double the height of any other building in London. On a clear day, you can see 40 miles into the distance in every direction. Open seven days a week from 10 am until 8 pm with late-night openings until 10 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The entrance is just outside London Bridge Station, you’ll probably see the queues. The station has recently been renovated and has some nice shops inside and a few restaurants on the outer perimeter. Read my View From The Shard Review. The View From The Shard Website
Borough Market: London Bridge Station is very close to the world-famous foodie destination of Borough Market which is good news if you’re feeling peckish. The best days to visit are Wednesday to Saturday when the entire market is open. Read my Borough Market Review. Borough Market Website
Borough Market
Southwark Cathedral: The Cathedral overlooks Borough Market. It’s been a place of worship for Christians for over 1000 years and a cathedral since 1905. It’s a beautiful building so make sure you pop inside for a visit and a stroll through the herb garden. Southwark Cathedral Website
Old Operating Theatre Museum: A short walk from Borough Market you’ll find the eighteenth-century church of the old St Thomas’ Hospital. Inside is Europe’s oldest medical operating theatre. It’s located in a timber-framed Herb Garret where herbs were stored for medicine. The address is 9a St Thomas Street SE1 9RY. Its open Monday from 2 pm until 5 pm and Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30 am until 5 pm. Read my Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garett Review. Old Operating Theatre Website
Guy’s Campus (King’s College London): Opposite London Bridge Station lies the expansive Guy’s Campus which you can access via Thomas Street. Walkthrough the colonnade where you can see a statue of poet John Keats. Look out for the statue of Thomas Guy, Guy’s Memorial Arch and admire the beautiful buildings. There is a small Farmers Market held on the Campus Tuesday lunchtimes.
Hays Galleria
Science Gallery: This innovative space showcases a mix of health, science and art exhibitions. The café on the ground floor is really good and so is the gift shop. Science Gallery Website
London Dungeons: Find out more about the Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot, Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper at the Dungeons. Open 10 am with last tour at 6 pm each day except Mondays when the last tour is 3 pm. The Dungeons Website. Another scary tour is The London Bridge Experience where actors tell you historical stories about London Bridge and The Tombs. The London Bridge Experience Website
London Bridge City: Situated between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, on the south side of the River Thames, is London Bridge City. By the side of the bridge, you will see a staircase (1 London Bridge building) leading to the Thames. You can explore the area which includes Hay’s Galleria (covered shopping and dining area), The Unicorn Theatre and City Hall (the Mayor of London’s office). After City Hall is the Bridge Theatre, Tower Bridge, apartments and restaurants at 1 Tower Bridge including The Ivy and pretty Potters Fields Park. London Bridge City Website
HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast: The London Bridge City is where you can board the famous warship and museum. This is the most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship. The River Cottage Deli is situated at the ticket office should you wish to grab a bite before you board. Open 10 am until 5 pm daily. HMS Belfast Website
More Than Ten Things to do in London Bridge
You can reach London Bridge by travelling to the station of the same name which has an underground station, railway lines and a bus station.
If you have time go inside Tower Bridge for more spectacular views of London.
Tower Bridge
While you are in the area you can also check out Bermondsey Street which has a village feel. At the weekend you can eat delicious food at Maltby Street Market. Buy fresh fruit and veg from Spa Terminus on Saturday mornings.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
